Kerala govt bans entrance tests for Class 1 admissions

Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty banned schools from conducting entrance exams for Class 1 admissions on Feb 2.

Criticizing profit-driven educational institutions, he warned that strict action would be taken against schools that violate the government's directive.

"Schools will reopen for the new academic year on June 1, but some schools have already started Class 1 admissions. In addition to the admission process, they are also conducting entrance exams for students,” said the minister.

“Such practices will not be allowed in Kerala. This is cruelty towards children. After the child’s exam, the parent is required to attend an interview. I don’t think this is a practice that should be encouraged," he added.

"Currently, we are working to exclude academic lessons from the Class 1 syllabus by removing textbooks and entrance exams,” said Sivankutty.

“Let our children come to school happily. Let them explore nature and understand our Constitution. Let them learn the values and responsibilities of being a citizen," Sivankutty added.

Sivankutty also brought up issues with school PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) dues.

The minister continued, "In some countries, there is no syllabus for Class 1. In Kerala, I have observed that PTA fees collected from students are excessively high.”

“While collecting ₹50 or ₹100 is acceptable, some schools charge between ₹2,500 and ₹5,000. The education department will take strict action against such practices. Charging exorbitant PTA fees should not be allowed in Kerala," the minister added.